AACR Mourns the Loss of John Lewis

Congressman John Lewis, who passed away yesterday, July 17, 2020, dedicated his life to racial and social injustice issues, and was considered the moral conscience on Capitol Hill through his belief in a nonviolent fight for civil rights.

Congressman Lewis was elected to Congress in November 1986 and served his constituents in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District with distinction for more than three decades. As senior chief deputy Whip for the Democratic Party in leadership in the House, and through his role on the House Ways and Means Committee, most specifically as chairman of its Subcommittee on Oversight, Congressman Lewis was an influential force in Congress.

Although small in stature, he was a giant in so many ways and a champion for equal and human rights. Throughout his courageous life, Mr. Lewis was a social justice warrior who fought for the rights of the oppressed, was an advocate for the downtrodden, and literally shed blood to ensure that all people have the opportunity to enjoy the unalienable rights provided in the Declaration of Independence.

Congressman Lewis, who died at the age of 80 of cancer, continued to use his platform to address the recent racial unrest due to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other victims of police brutality, even after being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

The AACR will honor the legacy of Congressman Lewis by continuing to address health inequities, will advocate for a diverse medical workforce, and most importantly will advance cancer research to prevent and cure all cancers.

The AACR expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family, staff, and constituents of Congressman John Lewis. The world has lost a great leader, statesman, and humanitarian.